Rapid development in Johor reduces brain drain, lures Malaysians back from S'pore

JOHOR BARU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The vast development in Johor, especially in Iskandar Malaysia, is attracting more people to remain employed here rather than seeking "greener pastures" overseas, said State Unity and Human Resource Committee chairman R. Vidyanathan.

He said more Malaysians working in Singapore were choosing to return home for job opportunities because of the rapid development.

Mr Vidyanathan said many of those working across the Causeway were coming home after realising that there were equal or even better job opportunities in Johor.

Skilled workers have the edge as their expertise are needed in the maritime, oil and gas, and construction industries, especially in the Pengerang and Desaru coastal developments within the next five years.

"If they have the required skills and experience, the pay at the multi-national companies here can be as good as what they were being offered in Singapore.

"There is also a higher chance of promotion because this batch will be the pioneers of the development here," he told reporters o Sunday after closing a three-day Muafakat Mini Lab workshop.

Mr Vidyanathan said there was a noticeable increase in enquiries for jobs in Johor as seen through job placement portals and urged Malaysians to return home and take advantage of the job opportunities.

On a separate matter, he said the state would draw up a blueprint on unity before organising a series of programmes and campaigns to unite people from all walks of life.

He said the Muafakat Mini Lab, a think-tank tasked to compile information and issues on unity such as social development, religion, education, economy, culture and security, would compile a report.

"We will then analyse strategies on how to implement such programmes aimed at promoting and fostering unity among the people," he said, adding that it would then be announced by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin in time for Merdeka Day.

He said the think-tank - comprising facilitators from non-governmental organisations, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the government and private agencies - had held three brainstorming sessions so far.